Water safety key to a fun summer

Summer is here and time at the lake, river or pool can be the best part of summer.

Or it can be the worst.

Water safety is the key to a fun, safe season. Our area is blessed with incredible lakes and rivers; time boating, fishing, swimming and playing are some of the many highlights that can come along with summer.

Sadly, however, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 years old and is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death for children from 5 to 19 years old.

Tragically, two children die every day because of drowning. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.

The YMCA has a long history teaching all ages to learn to swim. The YMCA has been referred to as “America’s Swim Instructor” and the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.

The Y introduced the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago in 1909.

In addition to water safety and swim lessons, the Y is a leader in competitive swim, and has been for more than 100 years when the first national YMCA swimming records were filed in 1907.

Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids swimming and water safety skills.

At the Litehouse Y we offer between 10 to 15 sessions of swim lessons per year for all skill levels. Lessons for infants can start as early as 6 months old.

Anyone can learn to swim, regardless of age. Kathy overcame her fear of the water and learned to swim later in life.

We want everyone to learn the skills necessary to be confident when it comes to water safety. The Y offers swim lessons all summer, it’s not too late to build skills and confidence for endless summer fun.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, including family/open swim, competitive swimming and lessons for all ages. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the Litehouse YMCA’s swim programs, visit the website at ymcainw.org or call 509-777-9622.

Safety precautions should come first when around the water. Follow these safety tips to help make for a fun and safe summer.

1. Never swim alone

2. Supervise children when they are in water

3. Don’t engage in breath-holding activities

4. Wear a life jacket

5. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water

6. Enroll your children in water safety or swim lessons

Additionally, summer storms can be thrilling but dangerous. Lightning is a threat compounded by exposure to water.

At the Y, we work to ensure the safest environment possible. When we hear thunder, the pools and other wet areas are evacuated. Activity is suspended until 30 minutes after the last audible thunder.

When at the lake or pools, move away from water and seek shelter.